Listen up, class! Former teachers offer students advice

Teachers do much more than craft a lesson plan; they support us, inspire us and gift us with knowledge and advice that last long past our time spent with them in the classroom.

We asked four Holiday Retirement residents who are former teachers for their advice for students as the school year approaches. While some of our past teachers may have been out of the classroom for a few years, their advice is still good today.

Sylvia Kicklighter

Sylvia’s advice for students is simple but essential—get some sleep! “Elementary school children should be in bed by 8 p.m., and older grades should be in bed by 10 p.m. at the latest,” said Sylvia, who hails from Holiday Retirement’s University Pines.

In the classroom, respect goes a long way. “Always be nice to all people and treat others like you want to be treated,” she said. It’s that easy!

Liz Burnett

Liz, a resident at Holiday Retirement’s The Tremont, spent more than 40 years teaching various subjects and grade levels in and around Oviedo, Florida. She started every year letting her students know where she stood on discipline, but also that she was always there to support each child. “Children are individuals, and each child has his or her own special qualities,” said Liz.

“As for my number one piece of advice for students—don’t be afraid to communicate with your teacher. Let your teacher know how you best learn so we can help you succeed!”

Cathy Cashman

University Pines resident Cathy always told her students to think about life in terms of success and failure.

“Success comes in ‘cans,’” said Cathy. “Failure comes in ‘cannot.’” By approaching learning with this simple thought in mind, students have no limit to what they can achieve.

Mary Clare O’Dea

Mary Clare, now 100 years old, calls Holiday Retirement’s The Woods at Holly Tree home. Before retiring, she worked as an art teacher for 46 years. In fact, both Mary Clare and her husband were teachers, and always encouraged students to work hard for their success. Her biggest piece of advice for today’s students is the same thing she told her students for nearly half a century: “you can do anything you put your mind to with a little hard work, and follow your dreams.”

Just as we never really stop learning once we leave school, teachers never stop teaching once they retire!

Are you or a loved one considering senior living options? From teachers to athletes to everything in between, get in touch today to see how our inspiring residents could become your new neighbors!